1994 Ford Mustang

1994 marked the 30th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. To celebrate, Ford introduced the next-generation. It included two body styles (a coupe and convertible) and three series - a base, GT, and Cobra. The four-cylinder engine, LX, and the hatchback were no longer available.

The base engine was a 3.8-liter V6 with overhead valves and 145 horsepower. An optional 302 cubic-inch V8 was available, offering 215 horsepower. The fuel-injected V8 featured GT-40 cylinder heads, roller rockers, stronger valve springs, and a tuned-length cast-aluminum upper intake manifold. A five-speed manual transmission with floor shift control was standard and a four-speed overdrive automatic was optional. The gears in the Cobra's T50D five-speed gearbox were phosphate-coated to better cope with the 240 horsepower engine. Disc brakes could be found at all four corners.

1994 began the four-generation 'SN95' and was the first major redesign since the Fox-bodied Mustang that was introduced in 1979. Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) sent three Rio Red Mustang Cobra convertibles to Jack Roush's shop in Allen Park, Michigan, where they were modified for use as Pace Cars for the 78th Indianapolis 500. All three were fitted with a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission, larger rear springs (to handle the weight of the TV cameras), a fifteen-gallon racing fuel cell, a halon fire extinguishing system, and a roll bar with 50,000-watt strobe lights. Just like in the past, Indy 500 Pace Car clones were built for the public. SVT produced 1,000 Cobra convertibles, which were all painted Rio Red and fitted with Saddle leather interiors and matched with Saddle vinyl tops. Additional features included the Indy 500 winged-tire logo as a chrome and cloisonné badge on the decklid and embroidery on the front seatbacks. A set of 'Official Pace Car' decals came with each special-edition Cobra, though they were not installed at the factory. Instead, they were shipped inside the trunk and left to the buyer's or dealer's discretion to install them.

The Cobra models had 8x17 inch wheels and all-weather P255/45ZR17 performance tires. The suspension was upgraded with shocks and stabilizer bars. The 13-inch disc brakes in the front were aided by twin-piston calipers, and the rotors featured curved-vane ventilation to help dissipate the heat. Anti-locking brakes were also standard.

All Mustangs came equipped with dual airbags.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013